With the constant black out the question of improving the PNG energy sector has never been under such scrutiny until now.
State Enterprise Minister Sasindran Muthavel stating that PNG Power should focus on Transmission and leave supply to private entities. PNG power recieved K209 million from The 2020 budget , a much needed funding as the Power Supplier owes K20 million to diesel suppliers Puma Energy.
The power company pays K3 –K4 million a month to power the diesel powered generators at Kanudi that supplies Port Moresby.
Minister Muthavel saying that PNG Power only made payments for 1 month to Puma Energy and the minister was unaware of what will happen in January 2020.
But PNG Power is embarking on what used to be deemed illegal for many years, generating of power from roof top solar panels to improve the power supply.
The PNG Power Acting CEO Douglas Mageo says that Business in Port Moresby can apply to have solar PV system set up.
In partnership with the International Finance Corporation, PNG Power Conducted a workshop to train electricians and contractors how to set up the Solar PV system.
The International Finance Corporation hoping PNG will pursue green solutions as they see a huge potential for Investment opportunities, Job creation and better supply of Electricity.
The solution, Green Buildings that consume less amount of electricity and can function off the main power grid through solar powered energy.
While these are long term solutions, for the nation’s capital the SOE Minister recently opened a Gas Powered station that jointly owned by Oil Search and Kumul Energy Limited.
Niu Power Gas filled power supply will cost around 28t/KW compared with the average supply cost of 47t/Kw it will cut the cost of power by half for NCD residents.
By Adelaide Sirox Kari, EMTV News, Port Moresby
